Five of 12 passengers of a van were injured when a train hit the vehicle in Barangay Gapo, Daraga, Albay.

According to the Daraga Municipal Police Station (MPS), the van was crossing the train tracks and the driver may not have noticed the approaching train due to the rain. 

The impact was so strong that the van was dragged several meters. 

Those injured were taken immediately to the hospital.

The incident happened on July 27, 2024. 

The van was heading to Barangay Dinoronan from Barangay Pandan.

The train, on the other hand, was traveling to Legazpi City, Albay from Naga City, Camarines Sur.

"Nung time na yun maulan, dito lang kami, mabilis yung pangyayari. Yung tren nagbusina [dahil] malapit na po, tapos yung van pababa na rin dyan kaya yun, binangga talaga nung tren," Roger Pasopaso, a witness, said.

The police said the intersection in the area is allegedly illegal and lacks clearance, according to the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

"Meron naman po siyang signage dun na slow down lang, pero according to PNR, yung intersection daw po na yun is illegal. Wala daw pong clearance sa kanila, kasi mas mauna daw po yung PNR magkaroon ng railroad dun." PLT. Ma. Isabel Nopia, spokesperson for Daraga MPS, said. 

The van driver and PNR are yet to release a statement.

Officials reminded the public to be careful, especially at railroad crossings, to avoid such accidents.